Fat Embolism Syndrome

Question 1

What is the physiologic event of fat embolism syndrome?

Answer 1

fat emboli damage pulmonary capillaries causing respiratory failure

Question 2

What are the clinical features of fat embolism syndrome?

Answer 2

1. Trauma to long bones or pelvis
2. Major Criteria (respiratory failure, MS changes, petechial rash)
3. Minor criteria (tachycardia, fever, jaundice, AKI, anemia, thrombocytopenia, retinal fat globules)

Question 3

What are the major criteria of fat embolism syndrome?

Answer 3

respiratory failure, MS changes, seizures, petechial rash on upper body and axillae

Question 4

What are the minor criteria of fat embolism syndrome?

Answer 4

tachycardia, fever, jaundice, acute kidney injury, anemia, thrombocytopenia, retinal fat globules

Question 5

What is the differential diagnosis for fat embolism syndrome?

Answer 5

1. Fat embolism - trauma, burns, acute pancreatitis, parenteral lipids
2. pulmonary embolus
3. Pneumonia

Question 6

What is the management of fat embolism syndrome?

Answer 6

Supportive care (assess need for intubation or CPR, maintain oxygenation/ventilation/hemodynamics, IV fluid resuscitation